New pricing structure balances affordability and demand
As recommended by the Downtown Orillia Management Board (DOMB) and the Parking Advisory Committee (PAC), new parking rates will take effect in the downtown beginning May 1, 2023.
As part of the 2024 budget process, the DOMB and PAC were requested by Council to provide an assessment of the current on-street metered parking rates, off-street Pay-and-Display parking rates, and off-street permit parking rates in conjunction with City staff. As a result, on April 17, 2023, a recommendation was put forward to implement a demand-based pricing structure, which was approved by Council.
“I would like to commend the Downtown Orillia Management Board, the Parking Advisory Committee and staff for this collaborative effort to bring innovative recommendations for parking to the table,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “Parking rates for on-street and Pay-and-Display parking have remained the same for over a decade. With the new structure residents and visitors can choose the parking option that best suits their needs based on location and pricing. A demand-based pricing structure will help us grow into the future by improving parking turnover in high-demand areas, encouraging parking in other lots and providing additional funding needed to maintain lots and equipment.”
The following on-street parking rates will be in effect May 1, 2023:
High Demand: $3 per hour
Mississaga Street East
West Street North
West Street South
Low Demand: $1.75 per hour
Mississaga Street West
All downtown side streets with metered parking
The following off-street Pay-and-Display parking rates will be in effect June 1, 2023:
High Demand: $1.25 per hour
Municipal Pay-and-Display Parking Lots 2 and 5
Low Demand: $1 per hour
All other Municipal Pay-and-Display Parking Lots
The following monthly permit rates will be in effect June 1, 2023:
High Demand: $70 per month
Municipal Parking Lots 1 and 7
Low Demand: $60 per month
Municipal Parking Lot 11
Low Demand: $55 per month
Municipal Parking Lots 3, 6 and 14
“Our downtown is an exciting and busy place to visit with a great mix of retail, restaurants, services, and the arts. One of the biggest challenges we are facing is that of sufficient curb parking availability throughout central parts of our downtown,” said Michael Fredson, Chair of the DOMB. “Demand-based pricing that the City is implementing will help by encouraging people to spread parking throughout the downtown. This solution also provides the least overall impact by only increasing 13% of the parking spaces by more than $0.25. The majority of the parking lot spaces will remain at $1 per hour. Together the DOMB, the City, and the Parking Advisory Committee consider this demand-based pricing a solution to improve the serviceability of parking in Downtown Orillia.”
The City of Orillia’s downtown has almost 700 parking spaces available within 12 municipal parking lots and on-street parking. Depending on the location, residents and visitors can pay by coin or with credit card. The Passport Parking mobile application is accepted at all locations to pay, extend, and manage parking sessions conveniently and is available to download from all major app stores.
For more information about parking in the City of Orillia, visit the City’s website at orillia.ca/parking or contact the Legislative Services Division at 705-325-2313.
